The idea of biodiversity has become increasingly important for those who wish to preserve and protect the varieties of life on Earth. While most works on biodiversity look at only three components-the diversity of genes, of species, and of ecosystems-Understanding Biodiversity examines the diversity of life in all of its manifestations. The living world is diverse in many ways. Animals and plants vary greatly in their size and shape, in their behavior, in how they reproduce, in how they sense the surrounding world. Understanding Biodiversity argues that there are many ways in which biodiversity has an intrinsic value - for humans, and for the living world as a whole - and that biodiversity should be better understood and appreciated by everyone, not just those in the scientific community. Only through such comprehension and appreciation will we come to value and protect biodiversity more than we do now. Humanity can only gain from such an expanded view.

A short, accessible volume that covers all of the different varieties of biodiversity.

Preface1. The Living Planet: The Unity and Diversity of Life2. Diversity, Complexity, and Natural Selection3. Species Diversity4. Diversity within Species5. Deep Biodiversity: Diversity "Above" the Species Level6. Genetic Diversity7. Diversity of Ecosystems and Ecological Interactions8. Four Billion Years of Temporal Diversity9. Morphological Diversity10. Metabolic Diversity11. Sensory Diversity12. Reproductive and Sexual Diversity13. Life Cycle Diversity14. Behavioral and Cultural Diversity15. Systematics: Elucidating and Representing Biodiversity16. Biodiversity and Values17. Comprehending BiodiversityGlossaryRecommended BooksIndex